It’s so exciting when you get your engagement ring. That sparkler on your finger is a symbol of your commitment to each other and the wedding to come, and you (or your other half) probably spent so much time agonising about finding the perfect ring that you never want to be parted with it, even for a few minutes. However, this habit could actually cause damage to your stone, your setting and even injury to yourself.
If you’re someone who wears your engagement ring all the time, then you need to keep reading because believe it or not there are certain things you should never do with your engagement ring. In fact, many of these points also apply to your weding ring too, especially as many couples choosing elaborate bands, often with multiple stones, over a traditional gold band. Here, we’ve rounded up the six major engagement ring mistakes that most people make.
1. Never Wear it in bed
Why Not? It can damage the prongs
Wearing your ring to bed causes unnecessary stress on the prongs or claws that hold your precious stones, as they can catch in your bedclothes as you move around in your sleep. Pulling at the setting can loosen the structure holding your centre stone, or stones, which increases your chance of losing one. Experts say that nearly a third of engagement ring repairs are due to claw damage, with sleeping in your ring being a major culprit.
Remove your ring before you sleep and placing it in a jewellery box or ring holder will reduce the risk of a pricey repair or stone replacement. Replacing a single pavé stone can range from €50 to €300 depending on the size and quality, as the complexity of the setting.
2. Never Wear it Doing the Dishes
Why Not? It can cause skin irritation
Wearing your ring continuously creates an environment ripe for skin problems. Your ring can trap moisture, dead skin cells, fungus and bacteria against your skin leading to red, itchy irritation and contact dermatitis. If you wash the dishes with your rings on you can trap dirty dishwater as well as soap, which can exacerbate the issue and clog up your ring.
Remove your ring to allow your skin to breathe and reduce moisture build-up, and keep your ring free of soapy build up.
3. Never Not Clean it
Why Not? It can lose its sparkle
Over time, dirt, oils, and cosmetic residue buildup can lead to discoloration, cloudiness, and even scratches on the stone and metal. Did you know that two thirds of people never clean their jewellery? This is worrying, given the skin issues previously discussed. But it’s good to get into a regular cleaning routine to maintain your ring’s brilliance and do frequent inspections to catch potential issues early.
Ideally, once a week, soak your ring in warm water with a drop of mild washing up liquid for 20 minutes, then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush. To finish, rinse in warm water and dry with a lint-free cloth. Make sure to send it in to be professionally cleaned before your wedding day, so it’s sparkles like the day you bought it in those photos.
4. Never Assume its Insured
Why Not? It might not be covered
If you already have house insurance with contents cover, don’t assume that your engagement ring is automatically covered. You need to check that your existing insurance plan covers the value of your engagement ring both inside and outside the house. The best way to do this is to get in contact with your insurance provider, and check your policy cover. This is the only way to know for sure.
With some policies, your engagement ring could already be covered on your house insurance if it is under a certain value. If your ring exceeds the value of your normal cover, then you need to add it onto your plan as a specified item to make certain it is properly insured if it is lost, stolen or damaged anywhere. Read more about getting your ring insured here.
It’s also worth noting that insurance is also increasingly strict about ‘reasonable care’. Many policies now require documented maintenance. By establishing good habits, you’re not just protecting your ring – you’re potentially safeguarding your insurance coverage should it be lost or stolen.
5. Never Wear it Constantly
Why Not? It can lose its shape
Constant wear can gradually deform your engagement ring’s shape. This is particularly true for rings with thinner bands or those made from softer metals like gold. Once-perfect circles can morph into an oval shape which doesn’t just ruin the look, it can compromise the setting as well. Taking it off at night will give it a rest.
Most people don’t realise that constant wear accelerates depreciation. Metal fatigue, stone loosening, and surface wear can reduce a ring’s value or insurance valuation dramatically.
6. Never Leave it on at the Gym
Why Not? You could seriously injure yourself
We’ve left this one until last as you might need to lie down for a bit after you read it, but it’s one that you need to know. Wearing a ring to the gym can cause a horrific injury called finger degloving. This can happen if your ring gets caught in something, and it can literally pull the skin on your finger off. Gross, we know. This is also why a bevelled rather than straight edged band is safer.
Consider getting a silicone ring for the gym or work, or a good ring holder, like a pocket wrist band or ring holder necklace, to store it in while you work out. This also goes for anyone doing manual labour.
Looking to speak to an expert? See our list of fantastic jewellers for the perfect match. If you’re wondering whether to get your wedding ring engraved, we’ve listed the pros and cons to help you decide or you’ll find unique wedding ring inscription ideas here.
